How to claim

Complete the following steps to apply for Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Before you start, check if you can get it.

CCS claims can only be backdated up to 28 days. You can’t make a lump sum claim for CCS.

Steps to claim Child Care Subsidy

  1.  

    1. Get ready to claim

    The easiest way to claim is online.

    To claim online, you need a myGov account linked to Centrelink.

    If you don’t have a myGov account or a Centrelink online account you’ll need to set them up.

    You may need to confirm your identity with us before you start your claim.

    If you can’t claim online call us on the Families line.

  2.  

    2. Get your documents ready

    You’ll need to get some supporting documents ready to help answer some of the questions in the claim.

  3.  

    3. Make your claim

    1. Sign in to myGov and go to Centrelink.
    2. Select Payment and Claims from the menu, then Claims, then Make a claim.
    3. Under Families, select Get started.
    4. Answer all the questions. Each screen has information to help you complete the claim. This includes how to submit your supporting documents.
    5. Submit your claim.

    For help, use our online guide to claim Child Care Subsidy.

    When you’re ready:

    Sign in to myGov

    You’ll need to do a new claim for each child when they start child care.
  4.  

    4. Track your claim

    After you submit your claim online, you’ll get a receipt telling you:

    • you’ve successfully submitted your claim
    • the ID number of your claim
    • the date we estimate your claim will be complete
    • a link to track its progress.

    You can track the progress of your claim online. Sign in to myGov and go to Centrelink, or use the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

    If you’ve completed your claim but your child’s enrolment details haven’t been confirmed, you must take action. Ask your provider to submit your child’s enrolment. You’ll then need to check the details and confirm them. You can do this through your Centrelink online account.

    We’ll let you know the result of your claim. We’ll send an assessment notice to your myGov Inbox or in the post.

    You can also view your result in your Centrelink online account or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Select Child Care Subsidy from the menu, then Child Care Subsidy Summary to view the outcome.

    If we need more details we’ll ask you for them.

Page last updated: 13 July 2020